Growing up in the projects of Dunedin, Florida was tough. We lived right down from the railroad tracks, across from a sewage treatment plant-every negative stereotype you can imagine. But throughout my childhood I never realized we were poor, because there was always so much love. I wouldn't trade my childhood for anything.

My mom was only 18 when she had me, and I grew up without a father. There were times when my dad promised to come by and bring over things for Christmas and for my birthday, and then he would never come. But I always tried to make sure I didn't show any disappointment, because I didn't want to hurt my mom. I never wanted her to think that she was insufficient. I can't say I would have turned out better with my dad around. She was more than I needed. Too many times you have parents who are doing well socio-economically, but they give all they have to work. My mom gave all that she had to me, and she supported me in anything that I did. She also gave me a foundation in the church, a belief system so that when I left home I had something to hold on to.

In the South, they say you go from the hospital straight to the front of the church. There was a time when I went to church because I had to. But I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was nine years old. Then it became more of a personal decision.

Because of my relationship with Jesus, I've always been encouraged, even in challenging times. Many people say 'My mom used to say this all the time,' or 'My dad used to say that all of the time.' Well, my mom used to say 'Stop smiling all the time.' I always had this big grin on my face, and she used to ask 'Why are you smiling all of the time?'